Complications of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, expressed in excessive production of enzymes. Violations of the functioning of the body can lead to necrosis and degeneration of the organ. Complications of acute pancreatitis are very severe and, at times, irreversible.

There are 2 main types of complications depending on the period of their occurrence: they are early and late.

Early complications of

Early reactions may accompany pancreatitis from the beginning of its course and aggravate the situation. They develop due to improper work and excessive production of pancreatic enzymes.

To early complications include :

• pleuropulmonary disorders;
• renal and hepatic insufficiency;
• shock;
• cardiovascular insufficiency;
• bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines;
• peritonitis;
• mental disorders on the background of intoxication of the body;
• jaundice;
• formation of thrombi in vessels;
• pericarditis.

The most common deterioration is fermentative peritonitis. It occurs in almost half of the patients. The nature of the contents may vary - from serous to purulent.

To recognize this disease, you need to monitor the color of the skin, body temperature, breathing, pulse and blood pressure. There may be signs of encephalopathy and impaired liver function.

Late complications of acute pancreatitis

Late deterioration is characterized by the attachment of a secondary infection. They occur 1-2 weeks after the onset of the disease.

The following are distinguished: :

• abscesses in the abdominal cavity;
• Purulent course of pancreatitis;
• phlegmon;
• fistula in the stomach and intestines;
• parapancreatitis;
• fistula and necrosis of the pancreas;
• phlebitis;
• blood poisoning;
• bleeding( internal and external);
• tumor neoplasm in the gland.

The most dangerous among them is sepsis. Often it leads to death.

Shock

Shock state is typical for severe pancreatitis. The manifestations of this condition are:

1. Severe sharp pain in the abdominal wall or irradiating in the back.
2. Cyanosis of the skin( acrocyanosis).This is due to poor blood supply to small capillaries of the skin. As a rule, the fingers of the extremities are blue, the ears, the lips.
3. Pale skin.
4. Changes in breathing. It is becoming more and more superficial.
5. Rapid heart rate with possible arrhythmia.
6. Ischemic symptoms. It is detected with the help of ultrasound.
7. The daily volume of urine is significantly reduced.
8. Disturbances in the central nervous system. They are expressed in psychomotor agitation.

renal failure

This state is characterized by the following symptoms:

• liver enlargement in size;
• no urine or excessive excretion;
• dryness of the skin and mucous membranes;
• blood pressure rises to such numbers as 200 and even more;
• yellowing of the skin and sclera;
• psychoemotional inhibition;
• increased heart rate.

Serious changes occur in blood and urine tests. The number of blood cells decreases, the content of albumin and bilirubin increases. Acetone grows in urine and blood, urea and creatinine.

Pleural-pulmonary complications

The most common complications among patients with acute pancreatitis. Left-sided pleurisy are more common than left-sided pleurisy and lead to complications from the lungs. This respiratory failure, which manifests itself in the cyanosis of the skin, shallow breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain.

With the help of X-ray studies, it is possible to detect the presence of a pathological focus in the lungs.

Intoxication psychosis

Is a frequent complication among people who abuse alcohol. It appears, as a rule, to the third day and lasts several days.

The consciousness of the patient is clouded, it is not oriented in space, hallucinations can arise. The patient talks a lot, speech incoherent.

Purulent complications

Purulent complications are characterized by the following symptoms:

• fever;
• increased heart rate;
• increased sweating;
• tissue infiltration.

To avoid these serious complications in the event of symptoms of acute pancreatitis, you should immediately seek medical help. The speed and quality of care depends on the outcome.

Useful video about pancreatitis